If idioms are more to be born than to be selected, then…
“If idioms are more to be born than to be selected, then the things of life and human nature that a man has grown up with--(not that one man's experience is better than another's, but that it is 'his.')--may give him something better in his substance and manner than an over-long period of superimposed idiomatic education which quite likely doesn't fit his constitution. My father used to say, 'If a poet knows more about a horse than he does about heaven, he might better stick to the horse, and some day the horse may carry him into heaven'”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Idioms shape us more by birth than by choice, influencing our character more than forced, mismatched language training.
In simple terms: Idioms shape character more than forced learning.
Key Takeaway
Embrace natural language roots.
Themes
culture
language
identity
education
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- learning a new language
- teaching literature
- personal development
- cultural integration
Key Concepts
linguistics
socialization
authenticity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do your native idioms shape your worldview?
- Can forced language learning hinder authenticity?
A Different Perspective
Forced idiom learning may clash with personal nature.